Shopping Appliances

SUMMER is fully upon us, bringing with it holidays abroad, trips to the beach, dips in the pool – and, of course, bare legs.

I’ve grappled with various razors, at-home waxing kits and painful trips to the salon for years, which only leave me dreading the next time my leg hair is ripped from the root, before it grows back and I have to endure it all over again.

Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset, £299 £159.20 with code THESUN20

That was until I decided to take the plunge, listen to my mates, and join the at-home IPL brigade.

Instead of spending hundreds (thousands in the long run) on salon hair removal, I opted to try an at-home hair removal solution that would last — a Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses a combination of targeted light and heat that is absorbed by the melanin found in hair follicles, essentially disabling and damaging them, which, in turn, stops the hair from growing back.

The highly rated Keskine handset boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating from almost 4,000 reviews, and one of its most notable features is the built-in ice-cooling technology, setting it apart from competitors.

This promises to soothe the skin and alleviate the biggest complaint people have about hair removal: pain.

So, I put the Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset to the test for six weeks to see what results I could achieve while the sun is still shining.

Pros

• Financially worth it in the long run 
• Portable
• Effective
• Works on a range of hair types and skin tones 
• Built-in cooling technology

Cons

• It can feel like a big cash injection
• Have to remain consistent with your sessions
• Slightly noisy (although worth it for the cooling option)

Rating: 8/10

How I tested the Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset

Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset, £299 £159.20 with code THESUN20

Keskine promises visible results within one to four weeks, with optimal results appearing between six and twelve weeks.

I decided to track the effects on my hair over six weeks, assessing every week..

As part of the Sun Shopping team, I’ve tested a range of beauty tech, including the best LED face masks, the best Dyson dupes, and more, so I’m well-versed in what makes a product worth your pennies, even if it’s at the higher end of the price spectrum.

I used the product the recommended number of times: up to three times a week for the first month and then twice a week for weeks four to six.

For some context, I have naturally fair and soft hair on my head, but my leg and armpit hair is thick and stubborn after years of shaving abuse, so my main goal was to see if the IPL would thin the hairs out before removing them completely.

Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset review: The Nitty Gritty

First impressions

I won’t lie to you, I often find myself sceptical about any at-home treatment that imitates salon visits, such as laser hair removal or at-home LED facial treatments.

Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset, £299 £159.20 with code THESUN20

However, always open to having my opinion changed, I unboxed the Keskine to discover a very easy-to-use handheld IPL, which came with a razor and a pair of protective sunglasses.

The device itself is extremely lightweight and compact, with a lovely white and rose gold colour scheme.

Its small size means you can take it on holiday with you, ensuring you never have to miss a session.

Setting it up proved to be an easy task. All you need to do is clean your chosen treatment area and shave off any hair using the razor provided, before patting the area completely dry.

Once you’ve connected the power cord to the adapter and plugged it into a power outlet, all you need to do is turn it on and choose one of the five built-in smart modes.

Don’t be alarmed by the loud whirring noise that comes from the device; that’s just an indication that the cooling capabilities are working.

You can select which part of your body you will be targeting with the IPL — face, armpit, body, bikini or beauty.

Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset, £299 £159.20 with code THESUN20

Although it’ll make you look like a member of the Blues Brothers every time you use it, you will need to wear the protective sunglasses provided to shield your eyes from the effects of the light.

Does it deliver?

My hair has definitely become much finer and completely disappeared in places since I started using the Keskine.

When speaking to friends who go for professional laser removal treatments in a salon, our results were very similar at the four-week and six-week mark.

I saw most results at six weeks, but noticed that even at the four-week mark, after using the device appropriately and consistently, there were areas where the hair had disappeared, and surrounding areas were extremely wispy where it once was coarse.

I will say that this product is best suited if you already have body hair on the finer side and definitely on the darker side.

As per the Keskine colour chart, the tool is ineffective on darker skin tones and lighter hair types.

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I found the best results were on intimate areas and my armpits, where I saw a massive improvement on darker, coarser hair.

The product is very simple to use, and the cooling sensation that Keskine offers is a standout feature, contributing to a pain-free experience.

The five adjustment levels are also a nice touch to reduce the pain in more sensitive areas.

How much is the Keskine IPL?

One thing that always used to put me off IPLs and at-home treatments was the hefty price tag that often accompanies them.

However, when you compare the cost of the Keskine – usually £299 but currently on sale for £199.99 (or just £159.20 with exclusive code THESUN20) — to just one session at a popular high street therapy clinic, it suddenly feels worthwhile, especially with very similar results on offer.

When compared to other IPLs, such as Braun or Philips, which offer the same level of settings and features, the Keskine IPL stands out financially, making it well worth the investment.

Where to buy the Keskine IPL?

The IPL can be purchased directly from the Keskine site, which often runs offers.

Additionally, Keskine have provided an exclusive 20% discount code for Sun readers, bringing the price down even further to £159.20; however, you may have to act fast as the code is only valid until July 31st at midnight!

There are also sign-up offers that allow 10% off across the site on your first order, as well as Clearpay being available as a payment plan, along with fast, free tracked shipping.

Keskine IPL alternatives

If you’re looking for the same level of quality as the Keskine IPL, with cooling technologies and adjustable power settings, here are some alternatives:

• Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5124 Corded IPL Hair Removal, £425 £300 – buy here
• Ulike Air 3, £319.99 £279 – buy here
• FOREO Peach 2 Device, £369 – buy here

ARGOS has kicked off a massive summer sale, offering huge discounts across thousands of products as temperatures start to soar.

The retail giant’s summer deals feature savings of up to 50% – perfect timing for shoppers looking to spruce up their homes and gardens for the sunny season.

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Argos Easter Big Red Event sale: Up to 50% off

The Argos summer sale launched earlier this week, bringing welcome discounts during the peak barbecue and outdoor entertaining season.

This is the ideal moment for shoppers to refresh their outdoor spaces, with fantastic savings on garden furniture, BBQs, and seasonal must-haves.

It’s a prime time for home improvements, and savvy shoppers can snag big discounts on everything from patio sets to indoor furniture upgrades.

Homeware, garden essentials, outdoor cooking equipment, and tech: Argos has covered all bases with its June deals and discounts.

Just remember that popular items tend to sell out fast during Argos sales, so don’t delay if something catches your eye.

We’ve picked out our favourite Argos summer deals below.

Argos summer deals this June

Habitat Kids Rory Curved Single Metal Bed Frame

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Habitat Kids Rory Curved Single Metal Bed Frame
£76 (was £115)

What’s the deal? Snap up this stylish kids’ bed frame with a fab £39 discount – that’s 34% off a statement piece that’ll transform any child’s bedroom this summer.

Why it’s a great buy: This gorgeous curved metal design brings a touch of cool to your little one’s space without breaking your budget.

Available in grey, it’s sturdy enough for everyday use, while its sleek lines add a modern touch that suits any age.

The metal slats provide great support for a comfy night’s sleep during hot summer months, and the simple assembly means you’ll have it up in no time – perfect for summer bedroom makeovers while the kids are playing outside.

• More Argos furniture deals: beds, mattresses, wardrobes – shop here

GreenPan Geneva 28cm Non Stick Stainless Steel Wok

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GreenPan Geneva 28cm Non Stick Stainless Steel Wok
£57.75 (was £77)

What’s the deal? Snap up this premium stainless steel wok with a tasty 25% discount – perfect for whipping up delicious summer stir-fries without spending hours scrubbing pans afterwards.

Why it’s a great buy: This gorgeous Geneva wok combines style with serious cooking power.

The diamond-enhanced non-stick coating allows you to use less oil for healthier summer meals, while the stainless steel construction distributes heat evenly for perfect results every time.

It’s induction-compatible too, making it ideal for any kitchen setup.

Whether you’re tossing together a quick weeknight dinner with garden veggies or impressing friends with a summer feast, this durable wok handles it all – and looks fab hanging in your kitchen when not in use.

• More Argos cookware deals: pots, pans, kitchen gadgets – shop here

McGregor 25m Compact Hose Reel with Accessories

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McGregor 25m Compact Hose Reel with Accessories
£33 (was £45)

What’s the deal? Snap up this essential garden gadget with a juicy £12 saving – perfect for keeping your garden blooming through the summer heatwave without breaking your budget.

Why it’s a great buy: This compact little hero is an absolute must-have for summer garden maintenance.

The 25m hose length is perfect for small to medium gardens, while the lightweight design makes it super easy to drag around your outdoor space.

It comes fully loaded with all the accessories you need to get watering straight away, and the clever reel system means no more tangled hose nightmares ruining your sunny afternoon.

The space-saving design won’t clutter up your shed or garage, but still packs enough power to keep your garden looking lush all summer long – even during hosepipe ban season.

• More Argos garden deals: sprinklers, watering cans, garden tools – shop here

LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle: Charms Class Set

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LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle: Charms Class Set
£14 (was £18)

What’s the deal? Snatch up this magical LEGO set with £4 off – perfect timing for keeping little wizards entertained during the summer holidays without emptying your Gringotts vault.

Why it’s a great buy: This pocket-sized piece of Hogwarts magic lets kids recreate Professor Flitwick’s famous “Wingardium Leviosa” lesson, where everything went hilariously wrong.

The set cleverly opens up for easy play and comes packed with fun details like a tiny blackboard and potion ingredients.

It includes popular minifigures to act out all those iconic classroom scenes – ideal for Harry Potter fans who want to bring a bit of wizardry to rainy summer days.

At this price, it’s a spellbinding little treat that won’t have parents reaching for a time-turner to undo the purchase.

• More Argos toy deals: LEGO, outdoor games, water toys – shop here

Shark Anti Hair Wrap & Flexology Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

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Shark Anti Hair Wrap & Flexology Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
£175 (was £250) with code ELEC30

What’s the deal? Bag this powerful Shark vacuum with a fantastic £75 discount, giving you a 30% saving on a top-rated cleaner that’ll make summer cleaning an absolute breeze.

Why it’s a great buy: This clever cordless wonder is a summer cleaning essential that makes tackling every corner of your home effortless.

The Anti-Hair Wrap technology prevents annoying tangles around the brush head (goodbye, scissors!), while the Flexology feature bends to reach under furniture, making it perfect for grabbing all that summer dust and pollen.

It effortlessly converts to a handheld for tackling stairs, sofas, and cars after those beach trips.

With its powerful suction that works brilliantly on both carpets and hard floors, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it, especially at this sizzling summer price.

• More Argos vacuum deals: Dyson, Shark, Hoover, Henry – shop here

Oral-B iO Series 2 Electric Toothbrush

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Oral-B iO Series 2 Electric Toothbrush
£45 (was £100)

What’s the deal? Snap up this premium electric toothbrush with a massive 55% discount – perfect timing to get your smile summer-ready while saving a whopping £55.

Why it’s a great buy: This clever little gadget combines gentle micro-vibrations with Oral-B’s dentist-inspired round brush head for a seriously deep clean that’s 100% more effective than manual brushing.

The smart pressure sensor glows red when you’re brushing too hard – brilliant for protecting sensitive summer gums.

With three brushing modes and a handy two-minute timer, it eliminates the guesswork of achieving a perfect smile for your summer selfies.

At less than half price, it’s the ideal time to upgrade your bathroom routine with some serious dental tech.

• More Argos bathroom deals: electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, styling tools – shop here

Habitat Celine Velvet Accent Chair

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Habitat Celine Velvet Accent Chair
£113 (was £170)

What’s the deal? Snap up this gorgeous velvet accent chair with a whopping £57 off – that’s a stylish 33% discount on a statement piece that’ll instantly elevate any room this summer.

Why it’s a great buy: This luxurious little number is the perfect summer home upgrade that won’t break your budget.

The plush velvet upholstery feels truly premium, while the high-reclined back and deep-cushioned seat make it incredibly comfortable for those lazy summer evenings with a good book or a Netflix binge.

Available in several eye-catching colours, it’s the ideal size for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms or home office corners.

The sleek, splayed metal legs add a modern touch that works with practically any decor style.

At this price, you might want to grab two for a perfectly coordinated look that’ll impress summer visitors.

• More Argos furniture deals: sofas, chairs, tables – shop here

McGregor 34cm Electric Corded Rotary Lawnmower

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McGregor 34cm Electric Corded Rotary Lawnmower
£67 (was £90)

What’s the deal? Snap up this summer lawn essential with a fantastic £23 off, giving you a neat 26% discount just in time for peak grass-growing season.

Why it’s a great buy: This nifty little mower makes light work of small to medium lawns without the faff of petrol or pricey batteries.

The powerful 1400W motor and sharp 34cm steel blade slice through even the most overgrown summer grass, while six height settings allow you to pick the perfect cut, ranging from 2-7cm.

The generous 35L grass box means less emptying and more mowing, and the whole thing is lightweight enough to push around without breaking a sweat in the summer heat.

At this price, it’s the perfect upgrade for anyone whose garden’s looking a bit wild after all this sunshine and rain.

• More Argos garden deals: trimmers, mowers, garden power tools – shop here

Habitat 2.5m Overhanging Garden Parasol

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Habitat 2.5m Overhanging Garden Parasol
£75 (was £100)

What’s the deal? Snap up this stylish garden essential with a fab £25 discount – that’s 25% off the perfect shade solution just as the summer sun really starts to heat up.

Why it’s a great buy: This clever overhanging design gives you way more flexibility than standard parasols – position it exactly where you need that cooling shade without a chunky pole getting in the way of your garden lounging.

The generous 2.5m canopy provides ample coverage for garden furniture or paddling pools, while the adjustable tilt feature allows you to track the sun throughout the day.

The sleek Habitat design looks way more expensive than its price tag suggests – ideal for instantly upgrading your outdoor space for all those summer BBQs and garden gatherings.

• More Argos garden deals: parasols, gazebos, outdoor furniture – shop here

KitchenAid 5K45SSBOB Classic Stand Mixer

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KitchenAid 5K45SSBOB Classic Stand Mixer
£350 (was £499)

What’s the deal? This iconic kitchen status symbol is now available with a massive £149 discount, offering 30% off one of the most coveted kitchen appliances around, just in time for the summer baking season.

Why it’s a great buy: Let’s be honest, this mixer isn’t just about whipping up cakes – it’s kitchen eye candy that’ll have your mates green with envy.

The classic tilt-head design gives easy access to the bowl while the powerful motor makes light work of everything from bread dough to fluffy meringues.

With 10 speed settings and that signature planetary mixing action, you’ll get perfectly mixed results without the arm ache.

The included accessories tackle most kitchen tasks, but true baking enthusiasts can expand their collection with the vast range of available attachments.

Available in several gorgeous colours, it’s the summer kitchen upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

• More Argos kitchen deals: mixers, food processors, blenders – shop here

Argos Summer Sale: Essentials under £20

It’s not all about pricy appliances and homeware in the Argos – you’ll find some great deals on cheaper items too.

• Yankee Home Inspiration Large Jar Candle, £12.75 (was £17) – buy here
• Revere Sterling Silver Teddy Bear Baby Bangle, £14.99 (was £22.99) – buy here
• Johnstones One Coat Shed and Fence, £10.89 (was £16.50) – buy here
• LEGO Valentine’s Heart Ornament, £7.80 (was £8.80) – buy here
• Opti Blue Gym Ball, £9 (was £12) – buy here
• Oral-B Pro Electric Toothbrush Heads, £15.50 (was £30) – buy here
• Argos Home 14m 3 Tier Indoor Clothes Airer, £11.99 (was £18) – buy here
• WORKPRO 6 Pieces Screwdriver Set, £8.25 (was £11) – buy here

Is Argos open over the Easter weekend?

Argos stores across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will open on Good Friday (April 18), Easter Saturday (April 19) and Easter Monday (April 21) in 2025.

However, stores which do open their doors on these dates will likely follow a reduced hours policy common across the UK.

On Easter Sunday (April 20), the retailer will close all stores in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, marking the Christian holiday.

Scotland will be the outlier with most Argos locations closing for Easter Sunday but a select few staying open – so remember to check opening times before you travel to your local store.

Does Argos do January sales?

Yes, Argos does hold January sales and the retailer gives shoppers the entire month to snag any deals which catch their eyes.

That’s right, the retailer doesn’t bring their January clearance sales to a close until January 31 giving you as much time as possible to get your money’s worth.

In 2025, Argos sliced 66% off of selected electronics and home appliances, meaning shoppers could save on anything from TVs to vacuum cleaners.

The Remington Shea Soft Hair Dryer dropped a whopping 66% in price, falling from £50 to only £17 in the January clearance sale.

Sale items were available both in-store and online with standard delivery starting at just £3.95 and same-day options available for an additional fee.

Click and collect is free for items ordered online.

Does Argos do Black Friday sales?

Yes, Argos does offer Black Friday sales and the retail giant has already begun counting down to the big day!

With November fast-approaching, the high street store has some advice for potential customers:

Be prepared: The store’s website advises shoppers to prepare for a day of smooth shopping by researching the products you want and writing up a list of back-up options in case you are too late.

Create an Argos account: To purchase an online order on the day you will need an Argos account set up, so you can get ahead of the game and make sure to register before the rush!

Shopping online: Finally, Argos recommends shoppers complete their hauls from the comfort of their own home by starting early, prioritising their lists, sticking to their budgets and being patient.

On the big day, all orders bought online before 5pm will be delivered by 10pm on the same day for just £5.95, subject to availability.

Or, customers can choose to pick up from a Sainsbury’s Collection Point near you.

Head to The Sun’s shopping section for more of the latest discounts we’ve spotted.

BARGAIN hunters are rushing to Amazon to claim a deal on Calgon Washing Machine tablets that slashes the price of each tab to just 19p.

The retail giant has discounted a 75-tablet ‘Mega Pack’ from £28 to just £14.49, a 48% discount.

Calgon Power Tabs x75, £28 £14.49 from Amazon

The limited-time deal has already caused a rush to buy the tablets, with 7,000 people heading to Amazon to take advantage in the last month alone.

If you’re meticulous about keeping your washing machine in tip-top condition, this is a steal you won’t want to miss.

The deal becomes even more impressive when you compare it to supermarket prices.

Tesco’s largest pack of Calgon is a 30-tablet box for £10.50, which works out to 35p per tablet.

Asda offers a slightly larger 45-pack for £15.98, making each tablet 35.5p.

At just 19p per tablet, Amazon’s mega-pack deal is unbeatable.

Those who remember Calgon’s famous jingle — “washing machines live longer with Calgon” — know that this product is nothing short of essential for those living in hard water areas like London, the South East and East Anglia.

Hard water can cause limescale to build up in your washing machine, leading to unpleasant odours, reduced efficiency, and costly repairs.

Calgon tablets help your washing machine in four ways:

• They remove limescale and other harmful hard water deposits
• They soften water, protecting your washing machine and clothes
• They prevent rust
• They neutralise bad odours

Reviewers have highlighted how effective Calgon is at keeping their washing machines in working order.

One Amazon customer wrote: “Third time ordering. UK water is hard so it makes your drum in your [washing machine] smell, this helps a lot and it also softens the water for softer washing. Good value for money”.

Another wrote: “[I] bought a new Bosch washing machine in January 2011, have used a Calgon tab in every wash for the last 15 years and it’s never missed a beat, still going strong — brilliant price for 75 tabs, can’t be beaten anywhere.”

Calgon Power Tabs x75, £28 £14.49 from Amazon

DYSON fans are rushing to QVC to get their hands on one of the brand’s coveted vacuums for a bargain price.

The cost of the V12 Detect Slim Absolute has been slashed by £150 and it’s now just £399.

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Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute, £399 (was £549)

This Dyson deal at QVC sees a neat 27% hoovered off the usual price of £549.

What’s more, you can get an extra £5 off your first order if you enter the promo code FIVE4U.

Dyson discounts aren’t that frequent, so this is definitely a deal to look at if you’re in the market for a new vacuum – especially if you’ve got pets.

The V12 is designed for homes with animals, so it makes short work of that pesky, ever-present dog and cat hair.

You can use the Motorbar head to deep-clean debris and hair from carpets (it detangles as it goes, so the brush doesn’t end up clogged).

Alternately, there’s the Fluffy Optic head for hard floors and a handy (if strange-looking) hair screw tool for ground-in pet hair and debris.

This cordless wonder gives up to 60 minutes of cleaning on a full charge, and offers spin speeds up to 125,000rpm.

What’s more, the vacuum automatically adjusts suction depending on what it’s picking up, and increases power where it’s needed.

And the filtration system seals in up to 99.99% of allergens and microscopic particles: perfect if you’re suffering from hay fever this summer.

The Sun Shopping’s Aaron Dowler put this big-brand vac to the test, and in his Dyson V12 Detect Absolute Slim review, gave it an 8-out-of-10 verdict.

“The Dyson V12 Detect Slim impressed me with its performance, especially its lightweight design,” Aaron says.

“The laser detection technology worked beautifully on hard floors, and the attachments were versatile enough to tackle pet hair and upholstery.”

QVC shoppers are smitten too, with one customer writing: “It is incredible what it collects.

“We have two short-haired dachshunds, two adults, wool carpets and rugs in our house.

“[It’s] so easy and lightweight to hoover stairs compared to [the] Dyson Ball Upright we also have, which now never gets used.”

Another says: “I absolutely love, love, love it! It’s so easy to use, easy to empty and clean, and I can do the whole house so quickly.

“I use it every day and am gobsmacked at what it picks up… Even my husband said the house smells clean. It really is wonderful.”

All reasons this handy household tool made it into our pick of the best cordless vacuum cleaners.

If you’re keen, just be sure to jump on this deal before it comes to an end.

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute, £399 (was £549)

Owner of a hungry kitty? Shoppers are rushing to Amazon to pick up a multipack of Whiskas wet pouches that’s now 44% cheaper.

For more options from the likes of Shark, Halo and Gtech, head to our best vacuum cleaners article.